Best things to do in Nilgiris and sightseeing in Nilgiris

The state of Nilgiris is mainly known for the "Queen of Hill Stations" or the Nilgiri Hills. This is the spot from where thr River Cauvery flows along and is an awesome tourist vacation spot. Filled with the plantations of coffee and rubber, Nilgiris means the blue Mountain ranges literally. Apart from the Cauvery, a number of other rivers and their tributaries flow along this area and also form scenic waterfalls. The Dodabbetta Peak is the highest among all in this range and a number of hill stations including Ooty and Kodaikanal and also a part of this place. Besides the natural beauty and the awesome climate there is a lot you can do here. The activities which can be enjoyed here include trekking, cycling, bird watching, walking and photography.

Doddabetta Peak - Nilgiris

This is the highest peak in the Nilgiri region and is about 10 kilometres from the city of Udhagamandalam or Ooty. The main attraction here is the center for tourists on the peak of this hill. There is an observatory on the top floor of this tourist center and there are twin telescopes hre. From the glass paned observatory, with the help of telescopes, you get awesome views of the whole district till far away places.

crowded during weekends or holidays. So stay away if you dont like as much crowds.

Rohan Mudaliar

234 Followers, 125 Reviews

Each one of you would have heard about the nilgiris but the experience of how it feels to be here would be witnessed only by one’s eyes not by the texts or the pictures.

Shipra Dubey

327 Followers, 50 Reviews

It is the highest peak of the Niligiri Hills. It is 10km away from Ooty. The place has a telescope which provides a nice view of the blue mountains.

Doddabetta Peak - Nilgiris

crowded during weekends or holidays. So stay away if you dont like as much crowds.

Shipra Dubey

327 Followers 50 Review

Each one of you would have heard about the nilgiris but the experience of how it feels to be here would be witnessed only by one’s eyes not by the texts or the pictures.

Nancy Nance

881 Followers 187 Review

It is the highest peak of the Niligiri Hills. It is 10km away from Ooty. The place has a telescope which provides a nice view of the blue mountains.

Sagnik Basu

1k+ Followers 134 Review

Doddabetta peak is the Highest Peak in South India. One can have views of three South Indian State plains of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. There is a Telescope mounted on the top of the peak and you can have an aerial view of the plains and the hilly ranges for a nominal charge. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of the valley below. On a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

Best time to visit

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Things to do

trekking, photography site- seeing

Open Hours

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Budget

INR 5 per person

Avalanche Lake - Nilgiris

Everything about this place is mesmerizing! This lake is about 30 kilometeres from Ooty and the road in between is not very smooth but the trouble taken is always worthed. Eco tours are orgsanized here by the Forest authorities and these are worth enjoying. You can also enjoy walking around the picturesque surroundings or just sit and relax.

The ride from ooty to avalache is beautiful,with awesome roads,majestic view and clean roads.

Rohan Mudaliar

234 Followers, 125 Reviews

28 km from ooty this place is sheer indulgence and will make you fall in love with it. The surrounding landscape is simply mesmerizing. A must go for nature admirers. The views are Panoramic & Breathtaking

Shipra Dubey

327 Followers, 50 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

photography

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Emerald Lake - Nilgiris

Another lovely place just at an hour and a halve's drive from the awesome ooty. This lake area is a part of the Emerald village which in itself is very less popular and thus never crowded whichever part of the year you choose to visit. This gem of a place is hidden in the middle of a number of mountains and you find natural beauty at its best out here. There is simply nothing much to do over here except for admiring the natural beauty or enjoying some time with your friends and family.

On the way to avalache.Worth a short stop.

Rohan Mudaliar

234 Followers, 125 Reviews

Serene and Secluded

Munjal Desai

141 Followers, 36 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

photography, picnic

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Nilgiri Hills - Nilgiris

Correctly known as the "Queen of Hills", Nilgiri literally mans the blue mountains. This is the mountain range in Tamil Nadu which is among one of the best tourist attractions here. The main reason for it being so popular are of course the beautiful hill stations such as Ooty and Kodaikanal among others. The Doda Betta Peak is the highest peak in the range and is a favourite for trekkers. There is also an observatory on top of this peak. The Nilgiri Hills are almost coverd by coffee and rubber plantations which look like a velvet, green cover on the blue- purple colour of the hills. The beautiful colour combination is the best kind of food for the camera lenses! The river Cauvery along with a number of other rivers and their tributaries flow along this region and also form beautiful waterfalls. The main activities you can enjoy here are trekking, cycling, walking, photography and bird watching.

Nilgiris or so called Blue hills.
Stunning hills, surprising roads, Colonial buildings, Waterfalls at every bend, Freshly baked bread and local tribes.
What more do you want on this trip?

Kamal Haz

143 Followers, 20 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

nature trails, photography

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

TANTEA - Nilgiris

Known as the Tamil Nadu Tea Corporation Limited, this was a government initiative taken in the year 1968. The main aim was to grow something with the help of the experts. The experts in the sense the Sri Lankans who have a natural knack in tea growing which has helped everyone a lot in this project. TANTEA is now the largest producers of black and clonal tea in India and the products have also reached the overseas market now. TANTEA is now one of the major industries of tamil Nadu and the extensive stretches of plantations are a visual treat.

The Tantea estate is one of the prime attractions of the Nilgiri district, which is mostly greenery. You can spend just about a day here, traveling up and down through the Coonor hills. The greenery just soaks you into another atmosphere altogether.

Arushi Dutt

886 Followers, 108 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

tours, photography

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Porthimund Lake - Nilgiris

An apt place for a peaceful getaway or some quiet moments with nature. The lake is large and is located in ooty which is in itself known as the best hill station over here. It is not a very popular tourist attraction mainly because it is hidden amidst a number of trees which form a forest. The scenic beauty that you find here is better han many other places in Ooty which you have visited many times. The advantage for it still being unknown to many is that you can spend peaceful time and the place is still very clean and unexploited completely.

This trail, as planned led us to our next destination that was the quaint Porthimund Lake. A placid reservoir and its mystical backdrop obscured further view highlighting the mystery of its flow. Its quintessentially pastoral depiction reminded me of some of Austen’s Victorian settings painted so ambitiously in her stories.

Harleen Kalsi

2k+ Followers, 103 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

photography

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Glenmorgan Dam Reservoir - Nilgiris

Located at about 25 km from the beautiful Hill Station of Ooty, Glenmorgan is the name of a dam as well as reservoir. There are a number of tea estates surrounding this region and the oldest bears the same name, which is the Glenmorgan Tea Estate. The dam is circled by bushes of greenery and forms a beautiful place to relax. A place of delight for nature lovers and photographers, there is also a ropeway nearby which makes it a must try even for the thrill lovers. The dam acts as a wachpoint from where you can get awesome views of the surrounding sceneries and the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.

The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. Undisturbed shoals and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics. The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations.

Shipra Dubey

327 Followers, 50 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

ropeway, photography, picnic

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Government Botanical Garden - Nilgiris

A premiere attraction on the Nilgiri Hills, this is divided into 6 major divisions. These are the New Garden, Lower Gardesn, Fountain Terrace, Italian Garden, fountains and conservatories. This is the main botanical garden and park of Ooty and is maintained by the Horticultural Department of Tamil Nadu. Apart from all other rare species of plants and herbs, the most remarkable are the monkey's puzzle, paper bark plant and a fossilized plant. You should definitely visit this park once you are in Ooty.

Wenlock Downs - Nilgiris

More popularly known as the Shooting Point, this is one of the best places to visit in Ooty. It is known as the Shooting Point because of the number of Indian films shot here. The lush green meadows and the walking trails here are apt for enjoying lazy walks. Try not to come during the peak season as this place will be overcrowded all the time during these months. During the other times you can get the best experience out here amidst the most peaceful surroundings. The exceptional view of the Nilgiri atmosphere is the main thing which attracts most of the tourists here.

With its vast expanse of green meadows, this popular spot is perfect for walks, pony rides and lazy picnics.

Shipra Dubey

327 Followers, 50 Reviews

Best time to visit

N/A

Things to do

photography, walks

Open Hours

N/A

Budget

N/A

Pykara Lake - Nilgiris

Located in the main hill station of the Nilgiris which is Ooty, this is a lean and large lake. People come here for site- seeing, photography or boating usually. Other than this, picnics are a common site here because spending fun time with the family amidst such natural beauty is sheer happiness. There is also a boat house here from where you can hire boats. You get an option when it comes to the type of boats. You can anything from speedboats to the normal ferry boats. The latter can usually carry about 8 persons which means the whole family can enjoy a boat trip together.

The fare being on the higher side, Ooty makes sure that your every penny spent at Pykara is worth it. The river caries a very countryside feel with herds of cows and sheep grazing on the verdant landscape surrounding it. The water-body is quite silent and rather deceptive of the gushing waterfalls it hides within it.
Do try fresh cherries sold by local vendors there. The Pykara dam and boathouse are located near the falls and are popular hot spots for boating and picnicking. There is a forest resthouse too for accommodation if you wish to stay overnight.